N7m properties lost in Oshodi market inferno

Afijalo market in Oshodi, Lagos went up in flames last Wednesday six months after a similar incident in which properties worth N7 million were destroyed.

Twelve shops were razed in the fire which began around midnight after a deadly power surge.

According to the Iyaloja of Afijalo, Mrs Bolanle Oseni, who lives close to the market, the surge also affected electrical appliances in her house.

She said: “Recently, the light has been toyed with in our area. I went to ease myself when I saw smoke from my toilet. I told my brother to ask the viligante in our neighbourhood what the problem was. Immediately, I informed neighbours who could assist us in putting out the fire. It took us three hours to put out the fire. Even when the fire service men arrived, their engine malfunctioned. It is a painful incident. They lost properties worth N7million to the fire. It is a pathetic incident.”

Mrs Oseni called on the local government to come to the trders’ aid.

The market’s secretary Gabriel Okonkwo, said if not for residents, it would have been worst.

“Knowing the same section has burnt again saddens my heart because it is their means of livelihood. They need assistance. I advise people to always put off electrical appliances after their daily activities to avoid situations like this,” he said.

He said there was no casualty.

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Executive Secretary Adeola Olajobi, who visited the scene with other members of the transition committee and the Council Manager, expressed concern on the incessant fire at the market.